 |
| CPA News / May 2004 Edition |
|
Editor's Note: CPA is slowly redesigning all its materials. You may have already seen changes in our emailed "postcards" and in the design of our candidate briefing book. Soon our website will reflect this new look. As always, we value your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions about CPA's new look, please contact Sarada Peri at speri@cfpa.org.
Don't miss out
CPA's Southern Conference on Criminal Justice - June 12-13, 2004 - Austin Marriott at the Capitol Hotel, Austin, TX
Register online for CPA's 2004 criminal justice conference. Come hear about the most innovative policy solutions on a variety of topics including sentencing reform, restoration of voting rights, juvenile justice, and privatizing prisons. For more information, contact Diallo Brooks at (202) 956-5150.
The 2004 Candidate Briefing Book: Now Available
The Progressive Platform for the States, written specifically for state legislative candidates, covers 90 topics and lays out the most innovative progressive solutions being debated and enacted in the states. For more information or to obtain a copy, contact speri@cfpa.org
CPA's Flemming Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for the 2005 Class
To accommodate hectic election year schedules we have instituted two application deadlines: June 15, 2004 for early acceptance and October 1, 2004 for regular admission. You may download the application online or contact Maura Hutchens at (202) 956-5138 for more information.
Progress on Policy
Tennessee Paves the Way in the Fight Against Outsourcing
The Tennessee legislature recently became the first to enact an anti-outsourcing statute, providing an incentive for state contractors to avoid outsourcing data-entry and call-center work. Under the new law, state procurement officials will give preferences to contract proposals that guarantee all service work will be done in the U.S. The bill was introduced in response to the growing concern that more and more Americans are losing jobs to workers abroad. Read CPA's outsourcing policy brief online.
Connecticut Unanimously Passes Hate Crimes Bill
In a major victory for civil rights, the Connecticut legislature passed the Hate Crime Bill HB 5657, which will add "disability" and "gender identity and expression" to the existing Connecticut statute. Supporters are optimistic that Governor Rowland will sign this important piece of legislation, making Connecticut the eighth state to provide such protections for the transgender community. Read CPA's hate crime policy brief and model legislation online.
Minnesota Allows Importation of Canadian Drugs
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced a new program that will allow state employees to obtain certain prescription drugs free if they use state-inspected Canadian pharmacies. State officials estimate savings of about $1.4 million a year. The program would cover about 120,000 employees and their dependents. Read CPA's policy summary on prescription drug pricing online.
Connecticut Passes "Clean Cars" Bill
The Connecticut legislature has passed SB 119, adopting emissions standards for cars, SUVs, and light trucks. Modeled after California's emissions legislation, the bill also requires automakers to sell an increasing percentage of clean, advanced-technology vehicles like gas hybrids. Advocates expect the governor to sign this ground-breaking bill.
Alabama and Virginia Lawmakers Increase Tobacco Taxes
To help balance its state budget, Alabama recently increased its cigarette taxes by 26 cents per pack. This will raise an estimated $14.5 million this year and $89 million in future years. For the same reason, Virginia raised its tobacco tax from 2.5 cents to 30 cents per pack. Read CPA's policy brief and model legislation on tobacco taxes online.
CPA Legislator of the Month: Connecticut Representative Roberta Willis
A long-time crusader for the environment and leader on the Connecticut legislature's joint Environment Committee, Representative Roberta Willis (Flemming Fellow '03) helped make 2004 a banner year for "green" legislation.
Read more...
Website of the Month: Center for Budget and Policy Priorities New Report
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities has released a brand new report analyzing how the Bush administration's federal policies have impacted state budgets, leading to $190 billion in deficits over the past three years. The report provides a detailed look at which states have been most severely affected and explains how state characteristics may vary the impact. In addition, the report issues state-by-state data so that you can examine what is happening where you live. Read this important and timely report online.
We'd Like to Hear From You
If you are a state legislator and would like to nominate one of your colleagues to be a CPA Legislator of the Month (LOTM), please contact us! Following are some guidelines:
You Should Know
Support Progressive Policy? Support CPA!
Help CPA continue its work advancing progressive public policy and supporting progressive state legislators. You can make a tax-deductible, secure online donation to the Center for Policy Alternatives.
|